Ambitions are high that France can finally lift a major title as Philippe Bergeroo's squad arrive in Canada in the form of their lives after a tough boot camp whipped them into shape for the Women's World Cup.

Bergeroo drafted in fitness specialist Frederic Aubert, who has worked with the France rugby team and the country's athletics and basketball stars, to prepare his side for the rigours of the four-week tournament from June 6 to July 5.

France finished fourth in the World Cup in Germany four years ago, followed by fourth again at the 2012 Olympics -- bitter disappointments which were in part blamed on 'Les Bleues' lack of stamina in a major tournament.

"It's unique that the coach has called on an athletics trainer who is not from football," said the 59-year-old Aubert, who was personally selected by Bergeroo after he took over from Bruno Bini in mid-2013.

"He followed my adventures in rugby and basketball. We often met at training events and we really hit it off," Aubert told AFP.

Aubert spent seven years working with top rugby side Stade Francais, winning four league titles with them, and also accompanied the France team to the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

He also worked successfully with both the French men's and women's basketball teams, winning Olympic silver in 2012 with the latter, prior to taking up the football challenge.

"Bergeroo told me: 'I'm counting on you to give them the desire to work and to make them understand the importance of this work' and it was easy because they were also convinced that in this talented team, there was an athletic deficit."

Midfielder Camille Abily, who won the league title with Lyon this season, believes the sessions at the national training centre in Clairefontaine outside Paris are vital if France, ranked third by FIFA, are to challenge for a first major title.

"The preparation is intense and designed to put us in top condition. That wasn't necessarily the case before," said 30-year-old Abily.

"We looked at the countries that have caused us problems recently," Aubert explained, citing world champions Japan, and two-time winners Germany and the United States.

"The Japanese, it's a question of vivacity, athletic motor skills. The Germans are problematic in terms of muscle density. Finally, we're often overwhelmed by the Americans incredible energy."

"We went from there and set out a plan," he continued.

"We put in place a new system, with systematic strength training, structured warm-ups and regular aerobics following training."

The army-like drills highlight how the women's game has become increasingly professional to the point that the presence of an amateur player would be unthinkable today.

"She wouldn't be able to last the pace," confirms Aubert. "You can't beat the Germans or the Americans like that."

Despite finishing second to the United States in the Algarve Cup earlier this year France's preparations have been gaining momentum with recent friendly wins over Canada (1-0), Russia (2-1) and Scotland (1-0).

They open their campaign next Tuesday against England, with Mexico and Colombia also Group F rivals, hoping that the tough training sessions will see them through to the final in Vancouver on July 5.

"We've gone up to another level in intensity. Is it enough? I hope so," added Bergeroo.